Polyamine flux composition and method of soldering

ABSTRACT

A polyamine flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I: 
                         
wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4  are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C 1-80  alkyl group, an unsubstituted C 1-80  alkyl group, a substituted C 7-80  arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C 7-80  arylalkyl group; wherein R 7  comprises at least two tertiary carbons and is selected from an unsubstituted C 5-80  alkyl group, a substituted C 5-80  alkyl group, an unsubstituted C 12-80  arylalkyl group and a substituted C 12-80  arylalkyl group; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are each separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R 7 ; with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia:
 
                         
then zero to three of R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4  is(are) hydrogen. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the polyamine flux composition.

The present invention relates to a polyamine flux composition comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I, wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R⁷; with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia, then zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. The present invention further relates to a method of soldering an electrical contact.

Soldering processes ranging from manual, hand soldering methods to automated soldering methods. The use of flux materials in soldering processes, both manual and automated, is also well know. In fact, the use of solder alone generally will not result in an acceptable electrical interconnection. Flux materials serve multiple functions in the soldering process. For example, flux materials operate to remove any oxides that may have formed on the metallic contacts (e.g., solder regions, contact pads, contact pins, copper plated through holes); to enhance wetting of solder onto the metallic contacts.

Various methods have been employed to apply flux materials to the surface of a metallic contact during the soldering process. In some methods, flux materials containing solder are used. For example, such combined materials have been provided in the form of an annular shaped wire incorporating a core of flux material. As the solder melts upon heating, the flux material in the core is activated, fluxing the surfaces to be interconnected by the molten solder. Solder pastes are also known in which a flux material and a solder powder are compounded to form a generally homogenous stable suspension of solder particles in the paste.

One commercially significant, application of an automated soldering method is the manufacture of semiconductor devices. That is, reflow soldering processes are commonly used in the automated production of semiconductor devices, wherein a semiconductor chip is mounted on to a printed circuit board (PCB). In some such automated production methods, a solder paste is applied to a printed circuit board using, for example, screen printing or stencil printing. The semiconductor chip is then brought into contact with the PCB and the solder paste is heated to reflow the solder in the paste, forming electrical interconnects between the semiconductor chip and the PCB. The heating may be facilitated by, for example, exposure of the solder paste to infrared light or by heating in an oven. In some applications, the semiconductor chip/PCB assembly is further treated with an under fill material that substantially fills the interstitial area between the semiconductor chip and the PCB, encapsulating the interconnects.

Given the demands for the mass production of electronic devices containing circuits of increasing complexity and miniaturization, rapid, automated soldering processes have emerged, such as, for example, those incorporating pick and dip processes. In such processes, a flux can be applied to a plurality of electrical contacts on a semiconductor chip by dipping the electrical contact portion of the semiconductor chip into a bath of flux. The flux coated electrical contacts on the semiconductor chip can then be brought into contact with a PCB comprising corresponding electrical contacts and solder balls. The solder balls may then be heated to reflux interconnecting the semiconductor chip and the PCB. Alternatively, the pick and dip process can be employed with device components that have electrical contacts with preapplied solder. In these processes, the preapplied solder is dip coated with the flux material and then brought into contact with the corresponding electrical contact(s) and heated to reflow, forming the electrical interconnects. Many electronic components fit into this latter process category in that they are manufactured with a sufficient amount of solder on board the component to facilitate interconnection of the component with another electrical component (e.g., a PCB).

In most instances, use of commercially available fluxes leave ionic residues on the soldered regions, which may undesirably lead to corrosion of circuitry and to short circuits. Accordingly, additional process steps are required to remove such residues after formation of the soldered interconnections. For semiconductor device manufacturing processes, the solder connections formed between the semiconductor chip and the PCB result in a relatively small gap between the semiconductor chip and the PCB (e.g., <4 mils). Hence, it is very difficult to remove (i.e., clean) ionic residues remaining on the soldered regions following the soldering process. Even in processes where the soldered regions are accessible (hence, facilitating cleaning operations), cleaning operations create environmental concerns involving the disposal of the waste generated during the cleaning operations.

Some low residue, no clean fluxes having a low solid content are commercially available. One flux composition asserted to substantially minimize or substantially eliminate flux residues when soldering electronic components is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100175790 to Duchesne et al. Duchesne et al. disclose a composition of matter comprising a flux, wherein said flux consists essentially of a combination of: (a) a fluxing agent; and (b) a solvent; wherein said fluxing agent: (1) comprises a keto acid; or (2) comprises an ester acid; or (3) comprises a mixture of said keto acid with said ester acid; and wherein said solvent comprises a mixture of a tacky solvent selected from polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, and a non-tacky solvent selected from monohydric alcohols or mixtures thereof.

Notwithstanding, there remains a need for fluxing agents that are non-curing, facilitate reliable soldering connections and are customizable to facilitate compatibility with conventional epoxy based under fill materials.

The present invention provides a polyamine flux composition comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I:

wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R⁷; with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia:

then zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen.

The present invention provides a polyamine flux composition comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I; wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R⁷; wherein zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen.

The present invention provides a method of applying solder to an electrical contact, comprising: providing an electrical contact; providing a polyamine flux composition of the present invention; applying the polyamine flux composition to the electrical contact; providing a solder; melting the solder; and, displacing the polyamine flux composition applied to the electrical contact with the molten solder; wherein the molten solder makes physical contact with the electrical contact and bonds to the electrical contact.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention is designed to facilitate compatibilization with various underfill compositions, such that, the soldered surfaces preferably do not require cleaning before application of an underfill composition to form a finished electrical joint.

The term “no clean flux composition” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to polyamine flux compositions that exhibit a low, or no, polyamine flux residue activity with <0.5 wt % halide content (i.e., polyamine fluxes that are categorized as an ORL1 or ORL0 under IPC J-STD-004B).

The term “no flow underfill composition” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to curable underfill formulations that exhibit both solder fluxing activity and latent curing to facilitate encapsulation of soldered inter connects.

The term “storage stability” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to curable underfill formulations (in a one pack system) means that the viscosity of the curable underfill formulation increases less than 5% following storage at 55° C. for one week, wherein the viscosity is measured using a Brookfield DV-I+ Viscometer at 20° C. using a Brookfield #S00 spindle set at 100 rpm.

The term “storage stable” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a curable underfill formulation means that the curable underfill formulation exhibits storage stability.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention comprises (consists essentially of), as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I. Preferably, the polyamine fluxing agent is a non-curing composition (i.e., wherein the polyamine fluxing agent is free of compounds having two or more reactive functional groups per molecule capable of reacting under soldering conditions to form inter molecular covalent bonds and wherein the polyamine fluxing agent does not contain two or more reactive functional groups per molecule capable of reacting under soldering conditions to form inter molecular covalent bonds).

The polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention is according to formula I, wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group (preferably wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group), with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia, then zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. Preferably, zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. More preferably, one to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. Still more preferably, two to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Yet still more preferably, two of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Most preferably, one of R¹ and R² is hydrogen and one of R³ and R⁴ is hydrogen. The R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ groups of the polyamine fluxing agent according to formula I are preferably selected: to provide the polyamine fluxing agent with desirable rheological properties for a given application; optionally, to compatibilize the polyamine fluxing agent with a given solvent package for delivery to the surface(s) to be soldered; and, optionally, to compatibilize the polyamine fluxing agent with a given encapsulating composition (e.g., an epoxy resin) to be used post soldering to form an encapsulated solder joint (e.g., for use in conventional flip chip under fill applications). Preferably, the R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ groups of the polyamine fluxing agent according to formula I are selected to compatibilize the polyamine fluxing agent with a given encapsulating resin such that the polyamine flux composition can be a no clean flux composition or a component of a curable underfill formulation. Also, the R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ groups of the polyamine fluxing agent according to formula I are preferably selected to provide the polyamine fluxing agent with a boiling point temperature, determined by differential scanning calorimetry of ≧125° C. (preferably ≧250° C., more preferably ≧325° C.) and a percent weight loss of ≦10 wt % upon heating to 250° C. determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using a temperature ramp of 10° C./min starting at 25° C.

More preferably, the polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine fluxing composition of the present invention is according to formula I; wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein the substitutions in the substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group are selected from at least one of an —OH group, an —OR⁵ group, a —COR⁵— group, a —COR⁵ group, a —C(O)R⁵ group, a —CHO group, a —COOR⁵ group, an —OC(O)OR⁵ group, a —S(O)(O)R⁵ group, a —S(O)R⁵ group, a —S(O)(O)NR⁵ ₂ group, an —OC(O)NR⁶ ₂ group, a —C(O)NR⁶ ₂ group, a —CN group, a —N(R⁶)— group and a —NO₂ group; wherein R⁵ is selected from a C₁₋₂₈ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₂₈ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₂₈ alkylaryl group; wherein R⁶ is selected from a hydrogen, a C₁₋₂₈ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₂₈ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₂₈ alkylaryl group; and, wherein zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) a hydrogen. The substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group can contain combinations of substitutions. For example, the substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group can: contain more than one of the same type of substitution (e.g., two —OH groups); contain more than one type of substitution (e.g., an —OH group and a —COR⁵— group); contain more than one type of substitution with more than one of the same type of substitution (e.g., two —OH groups and two —COR⁵— groups). Preferably, one to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. More preferably, two to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Still more preferably, two of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Most preferably, one of R¹ and R² is hydrogen and one of R³ and R⁴ is hydrogen.

Still more preferably, the polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine fluxing composition of the present invention is according to formula I; wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group; wherein the substitutions in the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group are selected from at least one of an —OH group, an —OR⁸ group, a —COR⁸— group, a —COR⁸ group, a —C(O)R⁸ group, a —CHO group, a —COOR⁸ group, an —OC(O)OR⁸ group, a —S(O)(O)R⁸ group, a —S(O)R⁸ group, a —S(O)(O)NR⁸ ₂ group, an —OC(O)NR⁹ ₂ group, a —C(O)NR⁹ ₂ group, a —CN group, a —N(R⁹)— group and a —NO₂ group; wherein R⁸ is selected from a C₁₋₁₉ alkyl group, a C₃₋₁₉ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₉ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₁₉ alkylaryl group; wherein R⁹ is selected from a hydrogen, a C₁₋₁₉ alkyl group, a C₃₋₁₉ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₉ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₁₉ alkylaryl group; and, wherein zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. The substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group can contain combinations of substitutions. For example, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₃₀ arylalkyl group can: contain more than one of the same type of substitution (e.g., two —OH groups); contain more than one type of substitution (e.g., an —OH group and a —COR⁸— group); contain more than one type of substitution with more than one of the same type of substitution (e.g., two —OH groups and two —COR⁸— groups). Preferably, one to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. More preferably, two to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Still more preferably, two of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Most preferably, one of R¹ and R² is hydrogen and one of R³ and R⁴ is hydrogen.

Yet still more preferably, the polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine fluxing composition of the present invention is according to formula I; wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a —CH₂CH(OH)R¹⁰ and a —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂—O—R¹⁰ group; wherein R¹⁰ is selected from a hydrogen, a C₁₋₂₈ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₆ aryl group, a C₇₋₂₈ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₂₈ alkylaryl group (preferably, wherein R¹⁰ is selected from a C₅₋₁₀ alkyl group, a C₆₋₁₆ aryl group and a C₇₋₁₆ alkylaryl group; most preferably wherein R¹⁰ is selected from a C₈ alkyl group, a C₇ alkylaryl group and a naphthyl group); and wherein zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. Preferably, one to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen. More preferably, two to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Still more preferably, two of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen. Most preferably, one of R¹ and R² is hydrogen and one of R³ and R⁴ is hydrogen.

Preferably, the polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention is according to formula I, wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons (more preferably, wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₂₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₂₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₅₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₅₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons; still more preferably wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₁₅ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₁₂₋₅₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₅₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₅₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons); wherein the substitutions in the substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group are selected from at least one of an —OH group, an —OR¹¹ group, a —COR¹¹— group, a —COR¹¹ group, a —C(O)R¹¹ group, a —CHO group, a —COOR¹¹ group, an —OC(O)OR¹¹ group, a —S(O)(O)R¹¹ group, a —S(O)R¹¹ group, a —S(O)(O)NR¹¹ ₂ group, an —OC(O)NR¹² ₂ group, a —C(O)NR¹² ₂ group, a —CN group, a —N(R¹²)— group and a —NO₂ group; wherein R¹¹ is selected from a C₁₋₇₅ alkyl group, a C₃₋₇₅ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₇₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₇₅ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₇₅ alkylaryl group; wherein R¹² is selected from a hydrogen, a C₁₋₇₅ alkyl group, a C₃₋₇₅ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₇₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₇₅ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₇₅ alkylaryl group. Preferably, the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separated by a bridge of 4 to 8 carbons (more preferably, by a bridge of 4 to 6 carbons; most preferably, by a bridge of 5 carbons); wherein the bridge is the chain between the nitrogens with the fewest number of carbons.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises a solvent. Solvent is optionally included in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention to facilitate delivery of the polyamine fluxing agent to the surface, or surfaces, to be soldered. Preferably, the polyamine flux composition contains 8 to 95 wt % solvent. Solvent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention is preferably an organic solvent selected from hydrocarbons (e.g., dodecane, tetradecane); aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene, butyl benzoate, dodecylbenzene); ketones (e.g., methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone); ethers (e.g., tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxaneandtetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxalane, diprolylene glycol dimethyl ether); alcohols (e.g., 2-methoxy-ethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, α-terpineol, benzyl alcohol, 2-hexyldecanol,); esters (e.g., ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butyl acetate, diethyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, diethylene glycol monobutyl acetate, d,1-ethyl lactate, methyl 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate); and, amides (e.g., N-methylpyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylformamide and N,N-dimethylacetamide); glycol derivatives (e.g., cellosolve, butyl cellosolve); glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol; diethylene glycol; dipropylene glycol; triethylene glycol; hexylene glycol; 1,5-pentanediol); glycol ethers (e.g., propylene glycol monomethyl ether, methyl carbitol, butyl carbitol, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol-2-ethylhexyl ether,); and petroleum solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, naptha). More preferably, the solvent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention is an organic solvent selected from methyl ethyl ketone; 2-propanol; propylene glycol monomethyl ether; propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate; d,1-ethyl lactate and methyl 2-hydroxy isobutyrate. Most preferably, the solvent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention is propylene glycol monomethyl ether.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises a thickening agent. Preferably, the polyamine flux composition contains 0 to 30 wt % thickening agent. Thickening agent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention can be selected from non-curing resin materials (i.e., <2 reactive functional groups per molecule), such as, for example, a non-curing novolac resin.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises a thixotropic agent. Preferably, the polyamine flux composition contains 1 to 30 wt % thixotropic agent. Thixotropic agent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention can be selected from fatty acid amides (e.g., stearamide, hydroxystearic acid bisamide); fatty acid esters (e.g., castor wax, beeswax, carnauba wax); organic thixotropic agents (e.g., polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diglycerine monooleate, deglycerine laurate, decaglycerine oleate, diglycerine monolaurate, sorbitan laurate); inorganic thixotropic agents (e.g., silica powders, kaolin powders). Preferably, the thixotropic agent used is selected from a polyethylene glycol and a fatty acid amide.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprise an inorganic filler. Inorganic fillers can be selected from alumina, aluminum hydroxide, aluminosilicate, cordierite, lithium aluminum silicate, magnesium aluminate, magnesium hydroxide, clay, talc, antimony trioxide, antimony pentoxide, zinc oxide, colloidal silica, fused silica, glass powder, quartz powder and glass microspheres.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises an antioxidant. Preferably, the polyamine flux composition of the present invention contains 0.01 to 30 wt % antioxidant.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises an additive selected from matting agents, coloring agents, defoaming agents, dispersion stabilizers, chelating agents, thermoplastic particles, UV impermeable agents, flame retardants, leveling agents, adhesion promoters and reducing agents.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention preferably comprises (consists essentially of), as an initial component: 3.99 to 100 wt % of a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I. Preferably, the polyamine flux composition of the present invention comprises (consists essentially of), as initial components: 3.99 to 100 wt % of a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I, 0 to 95 wt % (more preferably 8 to 95 wt %) of a solvent, 0 to 30 wt % thickening agent, 0 to 30 wt % (more preferably 1 to 30 wt %) of a thixotropic agent, and 0 to 30 wt % (more preferably 0.01 to 30 wt %) of an antioxidant.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention can be used in, for example, the production of electronic components, electronic modules and printed circuit boards. The polyamine flux composition can be applied to the surface(s) to be soldered by any conventional technique including, for example, liquid spray techniques, liquid foaming techniques, pick and dip techniques and wave techniques or any other conventional technique capable of dispensing a liquid or semisolid onto a silicon die or substrate.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises a solder powder; wherein the polyamine flux composition is a solder paste. The solder powder is preferably an alloy selected from Sn/Pb, Sn/Ag, Sn/Ag/Cu, Sn/Cu, Sn/Zn, Sn/Zn/Bi, Sn/Zn/Bi/In, Sn/Bi and Sn/In (preferably wherein the solder powder is an alloy selected from 63 wt % Sn/37 wt % Pb; 96.5 wt % Sn/3.5 wt % Ag; 96 wt % Sn/3.5 wt % Ag/0.5 wt % Cu; 96.4 wt % Sn/2.9 wt % Ag/0.5 wt % Cu; 96.5 wt % Sn/3 wt % Ag/0.5 wt % Cu; 42 wt % Sn/58 wt % Bi; 99.3 wt % Sn/0.7 wt % Cu; 91 wt % Sn/9 wt % Zn and 89 wt % Sn/8 wt % Zn/3 wt % Bi).

The solder paste preferably comprises: 1 to 50 wt % (more preferably 5 to 30 wt %, most preferably 5 to 15 wt %) of a polyamine fluxing agent of the present invention and 50 to 99 wt % of a solder powder. The solder paste can be compounded by conventional techniques, for example, by kneading and mixing the solder powder with the polyamine fluxing agent using conventional equipment for such operations.

The solder paste can be used in, for example, the production of electronic components, electronic modules and printed circuit boards. The solder paste can be applied to the surface(s) to be soldered by any conventional technique including, for example, printing the solder paste through a conventional solder mask using a solder printer or screen printer.

The polyamine flux composition of the present invention optionally further comprises resin component; wherein the polyamine flux composition is a curable underfill formulation. The resin component used in the curable underfill formulation of the present invention includes materials having at least two oxirane groups per molecule. Preferably, the resin component used is an epoxy resin having at least two epoxide groups per molecule, for example, substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic polyepoxides. More preferably the resin component is an epoxy resin selected from bisphenol type epoxy resin (e.g., bisphenol A type epoxy resin, bisphenol F type epoxy resin, bisphenol S type epoxy resin); aromatic diglycidyl ethers; aromatic multifunctional glycidyl ethers; aliphatic diglycidyl ethers and aliphatic multifunctional glycidyl ethers. Still more preferably the resin component is a bisphenol type epoxy resin. Most preferably the resin component is a bisphenol A type epoxy resin. The curable underfill formulation preferably comprises 10 to 99 wt % (more preferably 20 to 90 wt %; still more preferably 30 to 75 wt %, most preferably 30 to 50 wt %) resin component. The resin component used in the curable underfill formulation of the present invention, optionally, further includes a material having at least three oxirane groups per molecule. Material having at least three oxirane groups per molecule is optionally included in the resin component to increase the glass transition temperature of the cured resin product and to reduce the gellation time for the curable underfill formulation.

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a curing agent. Conventional curing agents can be used together with the resin component and the polyamine fluxing agent, provided that the curing agents can cure the resin component. Conventional curing agents include, for example, polyfunctional phenols, polyfunctional alcohols, amines, imidazole compounds, acid anhydrides, organic phosphorus compounds and their halides. Preferably, any curing agent used should be a latent curing agent (i.e., curing agent that does not operate to initiate the gelling of the resin component at temperatures of ≦225° C.) allowing for solder reflow without interference and facilitating storage stability for curable underfill formulation in one pack systems.

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a reactive diluent. Preferably, the optional reactive diluent should exhibit a viscosity that is lower than the viscosity exhibited by the resin component (in its uncured form). Reactive diluent can preferably be selected from monofunctional epoxies (e.g., C₆₋₂₈ alkyl glycidyl ethers; C₆₋₂₈ fatty acid glycidyl esters; C₆₋₂₈ alkylphenol glycidyl ethers) and certain multifunctional epoxies (e.g., trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether; diglycidyl aniline). When present, the reactive diluent can be used in an amount of <50 wt % (based on the weight of the resin component).

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a conventional air release agent. Air release agents are believed to enhance the wetting of the surfaces to be soldered during solder reflow. When present, the air release agent can be used in an amount of <1 wt %, based on the total weight of the curable underfill formulation.

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a conventional defoaming agent. Defoaming agents are believed to enhance the wetting of the surfaces to be soldered during solder reflow and to reduce gas inclusion defects upon curing of the curable amine flux composition. When present, the defoaming agent can be used in an amount of <1 wt % of the curable underfill formulation.

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a conventional adhesion promoter. Conventional adhesion promoters include silanes, such as, for example, glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane; γ-amino propyl trithosysilane; trimethoxysilylpropylated isocyanurate; β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltriethoxysilane; glycidopropyl diethoxymethylsilane; β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane; γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane; γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane; N-β-(aminoethyl)-gama-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane; bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine; and, γ-ureidopropyltriethoxysilane. When present, the adhesion promoter can be used in an amount of <2 wt % of the curable underfill formulation.

The curable underfill formulation, optionally further comprises a conventional flame retardant. Conventional flame retardants include bromo compounds (e.g., decabromodiphenyl ether, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrabromophthalic anhydride, tribromophenol); phosphorus compounds (e.g., triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, trixylyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate); metal hydroxides (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide); red phosphorus and its modified products; antimony compounds (e.g., antimony trioxide, antimony pentoxide); and, triazine compounds (e.g., melamine, cyanuric acid, melamine cyanurate). When present, the flame retardant can be used in an amount of 0.01 to 35 wt % (preferably 0.01 to 10 wt %) of the curable underfill formulation.

The polyamine fluxing agent used in the polyamine flux composition of the present invention can be prepared using conventional synthesis techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The method of applying solder to an electrical contact of the present invention comprises: providing an electrical contact; providing a polyamine flux composition of the present invention; applying the polyamine flux composition to the electrical contact; providing a solder; melting the solder; and, displacing the polyamine flux composition applied to the electrical contact with the molten solder; wherein the molten solder makes physical contact with the electrical contact and bonds to the electrical contact. In the method, the molten solder desirably comes into intimate contact with the electrical contact to facilitate formation of a metallic bond between the solder material and the electrical contact, providing a good mechanical and electrical bond between the solder and the electrical contact. Any conventional soldering technique can be used in the method of the present invention. For example, a soldering bit or iron can be used to heat the electrical contact and the solder to a temperature above the melting point temperature for the solder. A soldering bath can be used, wherein solder in a liquid state is transferred to the electrical contact through immersion of the electrical contact into the molten solder. Conventional wave soldering techniques can be implemented. Also, reflow soldering techniques can also be used, wherein solder previously deposited onto a second electrical contact is brought into proximity with the first electrical contact and heated to a temperature above the melting point temperature of the solder, wherein the solder melts and reflows, coming into contact with both the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, forming an electrical contact between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

The method of applying solder to an electrical contact of the present invention can optionally be part of a flip chip soldering process, wherein a semiconductor chip is mounted onto a printed circuit board, wherein the semiconductor chip comprises a plurality of first electrical contacts and wherein the printed circuit board comprises a plurality of second electrical contacts. In such flip chip method, the polyamine flux composition of present invention is applied to either one, or both, of the plurality of first electrical contacts and the plurality of second electrical contacts to facilitate solder bonding of the plurality of first electrical contacts to the plurality of second electrical contacts to form electrical interconnects. Preferably, the flip chip solder process further comprises an under fill step wherein a thermosetting resin is provided to encapsulate the electrical interconnects. Most preferably, the thermosetting resin is an epoxy resin.

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A 2,6-diamino-2,5,6-trimethylheptan-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent was prepared using the following procedure. First, a 2,5,6-trimethyl-2,6-dinitroheptan-3-ol intermediate was prepared using the following synthesis method

Specifically, a three neck round bottom flask was equipped with a stir bar, a thermocouple, a dropping funnel capped with a nitrogen inlet and a condenser. The flask was then charged with 2-nitropropane (50 g, 0.56 mols, 5.0 equivalents) and a catalytic amount of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. The contents of the flask were then stirred under nitrogen for thirty minutes. Then crotonaldehyde (7.9 g, 9.2 mL, 0.112 moles, 1.0 equivalent) was added to the flask drop-wise over a period of twenty minutes. The contents of the flask were then stirred under nitrogen for 5-6 hours, during which a white solid was observed to precipitate from the solution. At this point, GC analysis showed the absence of any crotonaldehyde in the reaction mixture. The contents of the flask were allowed to stir overnight under nitrogen. The precipitate was then vacuum filtered from the solution and was washed thoroughly with water yielding a white solid. The intermediate solid was air dried, followed by vacuum drying at 45° C. The total yield of the desired intermediate dinitro alcohol was 72% (27.8 g). Nuclear magnetic resonance testing (“NMR”) and liquid chromatography (“LC”) showed that the intermediate was >99% pure.

Second, the product 2,6-diamino-2,5,6-trimethylheptan-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent was then prepared from the intermediate dinitro alcohol using the following synthesis method

Specifically, 25 g of the intermediate dinitro alcohol was dissolved in 200 mL methanol with 14.2 g of RaNi 3111 as a catalyst. The mixture was then hydrogenated in an autoclave at 60° C. under 4137 kPa (600 psi) of hydrogen pressure. After workup which included filtration of the catalyst and removal of methanol, 11 g (59% yield) of a low viscosity liquid product was obtained. NMR and gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy (“GC-MS”) analysis confirmed the presence of the desired product 2,6-diamino-2,5,6-trimethylheptan-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent. Chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (CI-MS) showed [M+H]=189 and GC analysis showed that the purity of the product to be 94%. The boiling point of the material was 125° C. to 135° C. at 0.68 kPa (5.1 torr). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 16.8, 25.2, 27.9, 30.8, 34.7, 42.2, 51.8, 52.8 and 77.3 ppm.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A 2,6-diamino-2,6-dimethyl-5-phenylheptan-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent was prepared using the following procedure. First, a 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-dinitro-5-phenylheptan-3-ol intermediate was prepared using the following synthesis method

Specifically, a three neck round bottom flask was equipped with a stir bar, a thermocouple, a dropping funnel capped with a nitrogen inlet and a condenser. The flask was then charged with 2-nitropropane (101.1 g, 1.14 mols, 6.0 equivalents) and a catalytic amount of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (“DBU”). The contents of the flask were then stirred under nitrogen for twenty minutes. Then trans-cinnamaldehyde (25.0 g, 0.19 moles, 1.0 equivalent) was added to the flask drop-wise over a period of twenty minutes. During the addition of the trans-cinnamldehyde, an exotherm of approximately 22° C. was observed. Following the complete addition of the trans-cinnamaldehyde, the flask contents were heated to 50° C. and maintained at that temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature. When the flask contents reached 36.8° C., a pale yellow solid formed out of the solution. The flask contents were then filtered through a Buchner funnel and the recovered intermediate diamino alcohol powder was washed thoroughly with pentane and ether. The intermediate diamino alcohol powder was then left to dry under vacuum for 1 hour. The total yield of the desired diamino alcohol intermediate was 62% (36 g). NMR analysis showed that the diamino alcohol intermediate was >99% pure. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.45-2.27 (m, 15H), 3.52-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.74 (m, 1H), 7.17-7.34 (m, 5H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 20.8, 22.4, 23.2, 25.8, 31.3, 50.3, 72.9, 91.5, 91.6, 128.1, 128.7, 129.4, 136.6 ppm.

Second, the product 2,6-diamino-2,6-dimethyl-5-phenylheptane-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent was then prepared from the dinitro alcohol intermediate using the following synthesis method

Specifically, 50 g of the dinitro alcohol intermediate was dissolved in 300 mL methanol with 24.3 g of RaNi 3111 as a catalyst. The mixture was then hydrogenated in an autoclave at 60° C. under 4137 kPa (600 psi) of hydrogen pressure. After workup which included filtration of the catalyst and removal of methanol, 40 g (68% yield) of a high viscosity liquid product was obtained. NMR and gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy (“GC-MS”) analysis confirmed the presence of the desired product 2,6-diamino-2,6-dimethyl-5-phenylheptane-3-ol polyamine fluxing agent. Chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (CI-MS) showed [M+H]=251 and GC analysis showed that the purity of the product to be 78% straight from the autoclave. The rest of the material present appeared to be the mono adduct obtained from the reversal of the Henry reaction. The product was then purified to 96.2% purity by vacuum distillation. The boiling point of the purified product was determined to be 150° C. to 160° C. at 0.67 kPa (5.0 torr). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.91-0.99 (m, 12H), 1.67-1.81 (m, 3H), 2.71-2.76 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.23 (m, 5H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 24.6, 27.9, 28.3, 29.8, 31.6, 51.8, 52.6, 54.2, 75.9, 126.3, 127.8, 129.4, 142.0 ppm.

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A polyamine fluxing agent having the formula

was prepared using the following procedure. Specifically, into a reaction vessel with a stir bar, (0.05 mol) of the product of Example 1 was added. The reaction vessel was then placed on a hotplate with magnetic stirring capability. The reaction vessel was then inerted with nitrogen and (0.1 mol) of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (available from Momentive Performance Materials) was then added to the reaction vessel at ambient temperature, with stirring. The set point temperature on the hot plate was then raised to 75° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then raised to 140° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) more hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then reduced to 80° C. and a vacuum was pulled on the reaction vessel, reducing the pressure in the vessel to 30 mm Hg. The contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring under these conditions for another two (2) hours to provide the product fluxing agent. The percent weight loss from the product fluxing agent upon heating to 250° C. was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using a temperature ramp of 10° C./min starting at 25° C. The measured weight loss (WL) for the product fluxing agent was 9 wt %.

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A polyamine fluxing agent having the formula

was prepared using the following procedure. Specifically, into a reaction vessel with a stir bar, (0.05 mol) of the product of Example 2 was added. The reaction vessel was then placed on a hotplate with magnetic stirring capability. The reaction vessel was then inerted with nitrogen and (0.1 mol) of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (available from Momentive Performance Materials) was then added to the reaction vessel at ambient temperature, with stirring. The set point temperature on the hot plate was then raised to 75° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then raised to 140° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) more hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then reduced to 80° C. and a vacuum was pulled on the reaction vessel, reducing the pressure in the vessel to 30 mm Hg. The contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring under these conditions for another two (2) hours to provide the product fluxing agent. The percent weight loss from the product fluxing agent upon heating to 250° C. was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using a temperature ramp of 10° C./min starting at 25° C. The measured weight loss (WL) for the product fluxing agent was 5 wt %.

EXAMPLES 5-9 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agents

The polyamine fluxing agents identified in TABLE 1 were prepared from the materials identified in TABLE 1 using the following procedure. Specifically, into a reaction vessel with a stir bar, (0.1 mol) menthane diamine (available from The Dow Chemical Company as Primene™ MD) was added. The reaction vessel was then placed on a hotplate with magnetic stirring capability. The reaction vessel was then inerted with nitrogen and (0.2 mol) Reagent A identified in TABLE 1 was then added to the reaction vessel at ambient temperature, with stirring. The set point temperature on the hot plate was then raised to 75° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then raised to 140° C. and the contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring for two (2) more hours. The set point temperature of the hot plate was then reduced to 80° C. and a vacuum was pulled on the reaction vessel, reducing the pressure in the vessel to 30 mm Hg. The contents of the reaction vessel were allowed to continue stirring under these conditions for another two (2) hours to provide the product fluxing agent as identified in TABLE 1. The boiling point temperature of the product fluxing agents for Examples 5-7 were then measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a ramp of 10° C./min. from 25° C. to 500° C. The measured boiling point temperature (BPT) for the product fluxing agent for Examples 5-7 is provided in TABLE 1. Also, the percent weight loss from the product fluxing agent for Examples 5-7 upon heating to 250° C. was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using a temperature ramp of 10° C./min starting at 25° C. The measured weight loss (WL) for the product fluxing agent for Examples 5-7 is provided in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1 Ex. Reagent A Fluxing Agent 5 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether

BPT by DSC ≧ 325° C. WL by TGA = 9 wt % (@ 250° C.) 6 cresyl glycidyl ether

BPT by DSC ≧ 325° C. WL by TGA = 8 wt % (@ 250° C.) 7 1-naphthyl glycidyl ether

BPT by DSC ≧ 350° C. WL by TGA = 8 wt % (@ 250° C. ) 8 alkyl C₁₂₋₁₄ glycidyl ether

9 p-t-butylphenyl glycidyl ether

EXAMPLE 10 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A polyamine fluxing agent was prepared using the following procedure. Into a reaction vessel with a stir bar, (34 g) of menthane diamine (available from The Dow Chemical Company as Primene™) and (37.4 g) of a liquid reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A (available from The Dow Chemical Company as D.E.R.™ 331™) were added. The reaction vessel was then placed on a hotplate with magnetic stirring capability. The contents of the reaction vessel were left to stir at room temperature overnight, turning into a solid. Then (37.2 g) of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (available from Momentive Performance Materials) was charged to the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel was then heated up to 150° C. with a one hour ramp from room temperature and then held at 150° C. for three hours. The contents of the reaction vessel were then allowed to cool to room temperature to provide a dimeric fluxing agent product.

EXAMPLE 11 Synthesis of Polyamine Fluxing Agent

A polyamine fluxing agent was prepared using the following procedure. Into a reaction vessel with a stir bar, (34 g) of menthane diamine (available from The Dow Chemical Company as Primene™) and (37.4 g) a liquid epoxy resin reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A (available from The Dow Chemical Company as D.E.R.™ 331™) were added. The reaction vessel was then placed on a hotplate with magnetic stirring capability. The contents of the reaction vessel were left to stir at room temperature overnight, turning into a solid. Then (40.0 g) of 1-naphthyl glycidyl ether (available from Momentive Performance Materials) was charged to the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel was then heated up to 75° C. and held at that temperature for one hour. The reaction vessel was then further heated to 150° C. with a one hour ramp from 75° C. and then held at 150° C. for three hours. The contents of the reaction vessel were then allowed to cool to room temperature to provide a dimeric fluxing agent product.

EXAMPLES 12-18 Preparation of Flux Composition

The polyamine fluxing agent prepared according to each one of Examples 5-11 was individually combined with propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (available from The Dow Chemical Company as electronic grade solvent) at a 1:1 weight ratio to form the polyamine flux compositions of Examples 12-18, respectively.

EXAMPLES 19-20 Preparation of Curable Underfill Formulations

The polyamine fluxing agent prepared according to each one of Examples 3-4 was individually combined with a liquid epoxy resin reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A (available from The Dow Chemical Company as D.E.R.™ 331™) at a 1:3 weight ratio to form the curable underfill formulations of Examples 19 and 20, respectively.

EXAMPLES 21-23 Preparation of Curable Underfill Formulations

The polyamine fluxing agent prepared according to each one of Examples 5-7 was individually combined with a liquid epoxy resin reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A (available from The Dow Chemical Company as D.E.R.™ 331™) and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (available from The Dow Chemical Company as electronic grade solvent) at a 1.68:20:8 weight ratio to form the curable underfill formulations of Examples 21-23, respectively.

EXAMPLES 24-25 Preparation of Curable Underfill Formulations

The polyamine fluxing agent prepared according to each one of Examples 8-9 was individually combined with a liquid epoxy resin reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A (available from The Dow Chemical Company as D.E.R.™ 331™) at a 1:4 weight ratio to form the curable underfill formulations of Examples 24-25, respectively.

EXAMPLE 26 Evaluation of Fluxing Capability

The fluxing capability of each one of the polyamine flux compositions prepared according to Examples 3-4 and 12-25 was evaluated and compared with a hydroxystearic acid reference material using the following procedure. In each evaluation, a copper coupon was used as an electrical contact to be soldered. The surface to be soldered on each of the copper coupons was pretreated by: (1) first polishing with fine sand paper (600 grit), (2) then cleaning with a 5% ammonium persulfate solution, (3) then rinsing with deionized water, (4) then dipping in a 1% benzotriazole solution for 30 seconds, and (5) then blow drying with nitrogen. Following pretreatment of the copper coupons, a small drop of each one the polyamine flux compositions was individually dispensed onto the surface to be soldered of one of the copper coupons. Four 0.381 mm diameter balls of a lead-free solder (95.5 wt % Sn/4.0 wt % Ag/0.5 wt % Cu) were placed into the drop of polyamine flux composition on each of the copper coupons. The melting range of the lead-free solder used is 217 to 221° C. The copper coupons were then placed on a hotplate that was preheated to 145° C. and held there for two (2) minutes. The copper coupons were then placed on another hotplate preheated to 260° C. and held there until the solder reached reflow conditions (45 sec. to 3 min. depending on the polyamine flux composition present). The copper coupons were then removed from the heat and evaluated by (a) the extent of fusion and coalescence of the originally placed four solder balls, (b) the size of the resulting coalesced solder to assess the flow and spread and (c) the bonding of the solder to the surface of the copper coupon. A scale of 0 to 4 was used to describe the polyamine fluxing capability of the polyamine flux compositions and the hydroxystearic acid reference material, as follows:

-   -   0=no fusion between solder drops and no solder bonding to copper         coupon;     -   1,2=partial to complete fusion between solder drops, but no         solder bonding to copper coupon;     -   3=complete fusion between solder drops, but minimal solder         spread and flow;     -   4=complete fusion between solder drops, good solder spread and         flow over surface of copper coupon and solder bonding to the         copper coupon.         The result of the evaluation of each of the polyamine flux         compositions is provided in TABLE 2.

TABLE 2 Polyamine flux Evaluation Composition Result Example 3  4 Example 4  4 Example 12 4 Example 13 4 Example 14 4 Example 15 4 Example 16 4 Example 17 4 Example 18 4 Example 19 4 Example 20 4 Example 21 4 Example 22 4 Example 23 4 Example 24 4 Example 25 4 Reference material 4 (hydroxystearic acid) 

1. A polyamine flux composition comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I:

wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein R⁷ is selected from an unsubstituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, a substituted C₅₋₈₀ alkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons, an unsubstituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons and a substituted C₁₂₋₈₀ arylalkyl group with at least two tertiary carbons; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R⁷; with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia:

then zero to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen.
 2. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are separated by a bridge of 4 to 8 carbons.
 3. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, an unsubstituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group, a substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group; wherein the substitutions in the substituted C₁₋₈₀ alkyl group and the substituted C₇₋₈₀ arylalkyl group are selected from at least one of an —OH group, an —OR⁵ group, a —COR⁵— group, a —C(O)R⁵ group, a —COR⁵ group, a —CHO, a —COOR⁵ group, an —OC(O)OR⁵ group, a —S(O)(O)R⁵ group, a —S(O)R⁵ group, a —S(O)(O)NR⁵ ₂ group, an —OC(O)NR⁶ ₂ group, a —C(O)NR⁶ ₂ group, a —CN group, a —N(R⁶)— group and a —NO₂ group; wherein R⁵ is selected from a C₁₋₂₈ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₂₈ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₂₈ alkylaryl group; and, wherein R⁶ is selected from a hydrogen, a C₁₋₂₈ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₅ aryl group, a C₇₋₂₈ arylalkyl group and a C₇₋₂₈ alkylaryl group.
 4. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, wherein one to three of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is(are) hydrogen.
 5. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, further comprising a solvent, wherein the solvent is an organic solvent selected from hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, alcohols, esters, amides, glycols, glycol ethers, glycol derivatives and petroleum solvents.
 6. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: an inorganic filler; a thixotropic agent; and an antioxidant.
 7. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, further comprising: an additive selected from matting agents, coloring agents, defoaming agents, dispersion stabilizers, chelating agents, thermoplastic particles, UV impermeable agents, flame retardants, leveling agents, adhesion promoters and reducing agents.
 8. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, further comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; and, optionally, a curing agent.
 9. The polyamine flux composition of claim 1, further comprising a solder powder.
 10. A method of applying solder to an electrical contact, comprising: providing an electrical contact; providing a polyamine flux composition according to claim 1; applying the polyamine flux composition to the electrical contact; providing a solder; melting the solder; and, displacing the polyamine flux composition applied to the electrical contact with the molten solder; wherein the molten solder makes physical contact with the electrical contact and bonds to the electrical contact. 